New Jersey Assembly Bill A2025

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Establishes requirements for certain tobacco product retailers to stock and sell nicotine replacement therapy products.

Impact

If enacted, A2025 would expand state regulations concerning tobacco product sales, specifically by requiring these retailers to sell NRT. This new requirement aims to address public health concerns regarding smoking and tobacco use, by ensuring that cessation aids are available in places where tobacco products are sold. Retailers would have the option to determine the type and quantity of NRT products they offer but must maintain adequate stock levels and adhere to timelines for restocking NRT products when they sell out.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2025 proposes to enhance public health measures by mandating that all tobacco product retailers, excluding cigar shops, offer a stock of at least one nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) product approved by the FDA. This initiative aims to facilitate smoking cessation efforts by making cessation treatments readily available alongside tobacco products, thus potentially encouraging smokers to quit. The bill recognizes the pivotal role tobacco retailers play in accessibility to health-promoting products as part of a broader public health strategy.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding A2025. Some stakeholders may argue that this bill could impose additional regulations and operational burdens on small business owners who sell tobacco products. These retailers may express concerns over the costs associated with stocking NRT products, especially if sales of such products do not match expectations. Moreover, while the bill is likely to receive support from public health advocates, it may face opposition from tobacco industry advocates worried about the impact on tobacco sales and retailer freedom in product offerings.